Terry Goddard Announces Fraud Fighter Accounts

(Phoenix, Ariz. – Feb. 27, 2006) Attorney General Terry Goddard today announced a new program to protect Arizona consumers from identity theft and financial exploitation called Fraud Fighter Accounts.

These accounts are for those people most vulnerable to identity theft or fraud because of disabilities, health issues or because their financial security was already compromised. The Fraud Fighter Account, to be offered by participating banks and credit unions, allows consumers to choose among several options to protect their accounts. The options include:

Limiting daily and monthly withdrawals

Notifying a trusted third party if suspicious transactions are attempted

Delaying suspicious transactions

Limiting electronic access to accounts

These options help keep people from becoming victims of high-pressure sales, financial scams, overreaching by caregivers and family, or identity theft. The accounts work best for people who have consistent expenses.

“We are hardening the target for identity theft,” Goddard said. “These accounts will provide a safety net for those who have special concerns about their financial safety. We have to make efforts to proactively protect ourselves and our seniors.”

The Attorney General’s Office is working with banks and credit unions to incorporate these accounts into the products offered to their customers. Interested consumers should ask their bank or credit union if they offer Fraud Fighter accounts.

For more information about the Fraud Fighter Accounts, please visit the Attorney General’s Office at www.azag.gov.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact the Arizona Attorney General's Office at 602.542.5763 in Phoenix; 520.628.6504 in Tucson; or 1.800.352.8431 outside the metro areas. If you would like to file a complaint in person, the Attorney General's Office has 18 satellite offices throughout the state with volunteers available to help. Locations and hours of operation are posted on the Attorney General's Web site.